Combat Systems Test Engineer

Combat System Test & Trials Engineer

The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing verification, validation, and acceptance trials for the Canadian Surface Combatant — Canada’s first warship program in over 20 years.

Working at Irving Shipbuilding’s engineering facility and shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this role supports the successful testing and integration of complex naval systems to ensure operational performance, safety, and compliance with NATO standards, classification society rules, and customer requirements.

This position offers hands‑on involvement in land‑based, dockside, and at‑sea trials while partnering closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, naval authorities, shipyard personnel, and equipment suppliers.

On‑site in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Candidates available to work onsite full time are preferred. A rotational schedule may be considered for candidates open to a six‑weeks‑onsite/six‑weeks‑remote arrangement.

• Develop and maintain Test & Trials Plans and strategies for ship systems and integrated platforms.
• Define test procedures aligned with NATO standards (e.g., STANAGs) and project requirements.
• Prepare Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and acceptance documentation.

Lead and participate in:

• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Land‑Based Testing
• Harbour Acceptance Tests (HATs)
• Sea Acceptance Trials (SATs)
• Builder’s and Commissioning Trials

Additional responsibilities include:

• Coordinating onboard testing activities across multiple systems, including combat systems, propulsion, navigation, and communications.
• Planning for and ensuring safe execution of trials in accordance with naval and regulatory requirements.

• Verify system performance against specifications and operational requirements.
• Support integration of:
  • Combat Management Systems (CMS)
  • Radar, sonar, and weapon systems
  • Platform systems, including power, propulsion, HVAC, and auxiliary systems
• Identify deficiencies and support resolution efforts with engineering teams.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data.
• Produce detailed test reports, including findings, anomalies, and recommendations.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Collaborate with shipyard teams, OEMs, subcontractors, naval customer representatives, and classification societies.
• Supporting customer demonstrations and acceptance processes.

• Ensure compliance with NATO standards (STANAGs), naval regulations, safety requirements, and classification rules.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Systems Engineering. Equivalent hands‑on experience may be considered.
• 10+ years of experience in naval shipbuilding, marine systems, or defense programs, including installation, testing, commissioning, or trials of complex systems.
• Experience with surface combatants or military vessels.
• Knowledge of naval systems, including propulsion and power generation, combat and sensor systems, and Integrated Platform Management Systems (IPMS).
• Familiarity with NATO standards and defense procurement processes.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering and integration principles.
• Experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition tools.
• Familiarity with IBM DOORS.
• Comfortable working in office, shipyard, and onboard naval vessel environments, including confined spaces, heights, and varying weather conditions.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active Secret Clearance.

• Experience with NATO naval programs or allied fleets.
• Certification in Systems Engineering (e.g., INCOSE).
• Sea‑going experience or naval background.
• Familiarity with risk management and safety case development.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.